I tiptoed into Bloggyland exactly a year ago today when I moved our family website from iWeb to Blogger. A little while later, I made my first comment on a "stranger's" blog. I think it was Amber who brought me out of hiding. She has such an enchanting writing voice, I couldn't NOT comment when given the opportunity. And of course there was Shannon, the matriarch of sappy mommy blogging, whose wit, authenticity and wisdom encouraged me on a daily basis. When she offered free Little Debbies to the best new year's resolution haiku, I didn't really have a choice but to jump in with both feet.

I used to think it was weird (and lame) to spend even five minutes reading, let alone commenting, on what random people had to say about their lives. And now? Well, in the next few days, I'm meeting up with one such random person for a playdate.

(My husband would like to interject that, if he said he had a "playdate with someone he met online", he would get in big trouble. And he would be correct.)

I had no idea that blogging would be more than a way to record memorable family moments. I had no idea I would "meet" people and form real friendships. I had no idea I would grow to enjoy this outlet this much.

For the record, I still think it's weird. If my mom was the one blogging, I would totally make fun of her. (Confession. She WAS the one blogging back in 2005, Xanga style. And I DID mercilessly mock her for it.)

All this to say (which is my clue to you that I just wasted the above five paragraphs of your time leading up to a quasi point), I've really enjoyed my journey into Bloggyland this year.

Happy New Year!

And now....the year in posts...the first line from the first post of every month in 2009. Because inquiring minds want to know have long ago stopped reading this blog.

July:Do it Yourself Sunshine. When you're ten years shy of a teenager, sun is (fortunately) not a necessary ingredient for a delightful afternoon at the beach.

August: Happiness Wins: Part I. It all started Thursday night when my saintly husband surprised me with a sought after bib in the Beach to Beacon 10k and volunteered to hold down the fort on Saturday morning while I ran.